McKenzie Rolls In Game Situation

At least through two weeks of fall camp, there's been few to no signs a major injury took place just under a year ago.

It was last September that freshman running back Shai McKenzie tore his ACL, ending his high school career just three games into his senior season. He graduated early from high school and enrolled at Virginia Tech this spring in part, to get better medical treatment and rehab for his knee.

Now, McKenzie might be in a battle at running back, but he's consistently been the talk of the Hokies' coaches. McKenzie had another solid showing Saturday, where he busted through the middle of the field for a big run and had a three-yard touchdown run to cap the drive.

The scrimmage was McKenzie's first game experience, in pads, since his injury.

"Honestly, I feel like I surprised myself," he said. "I came in and I just knew it was gonna be a whole different ball game than high school. Trying to get to the edge is a lot harder. I took some hard hits (Saturday) and I just wanted to be patient and find a way."

With a self-described balance of speed and power, McKenzie is making it hard for Virginia Tech to keep him off the field going into the season.

"It's all up to what Coach says," he said. "I'm just gonna continue to do what I can and if Coach wants to play me, I'm gonna go out there and give it my all."